| Unit name | The Film Director's Vision |
|---|---|
| Unit code | FATV20006 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ryan |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Film and Television |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
What does it mean to have a directorial voice or vision, and how does it express itself in the works directed by a particular film-maker? This unit will look closely at the work of some key directors in cinema history, to re-examine questions around authorship and the auteur by considering the choices made in the realisation of particular sequences. In this way the question of style will be considered as a product of relationships between theme, mise-en-scene, working with actors and performance, characteristics of rhythm, camera, editing and narrative technique, and the structure of images. The combination of these elements will be considered as an expression of points of view that are both literal and social/psychological.
Aims:
• To develop students’ skills in the close analysis of film construction, with a particular emphasis on directorial styles and approaches
• To introduce historical understandings of directorial style, temperament and vision
• To explore and contextualise the relationships between society, politics and film directing.
• To equip students to engage with critical and theoretical debates about film directing and authorship.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. critically analyse films and film sequences in relation to the styles and approaches of their directors
2. make relevant distinctions between different directorial styles and approaches
3. consider the relationship between directing and other elements in screen realisation in appropriate historical contexts
4. examine the relationships between society, politics and film directing
5. respond to, and participate in, historical and theoretical debates about film authorship
6. produce work within a group, showing abilities to listen, contribute and lead effectively.
Weekly seminar and screening, supported by self-directed tasks where appropriate.
20-minute illustrated group presentation (40%, ILOs 1-6) + 3000-word essay (60%, ILOs 1-5)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. FATV20006).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
